LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) is going “ALL IN” on a major expansion, launching a public capital campaign to fund its brand-new campus and calling on the community to help make it happen.
So far, the organization has raised $22 million toward its $37 million goal. The future 54,000-square-foot facility will include a dedicated parvovirus ward, a pet retention resource center, and additional space for animals — providing 30% more room for cats and dogs.
“I’ve always liked the chaos,” said Laura Zartman, KHS senior database manager. “I love the mission. I love the people. If you love what you do and who you do it for, it’s #winning.”
Zartman’s current office is tucked away in a closet — a sign of how much the organization has outgrown its existing space. “It’s small,” she laughed. “If you have a deep thought or a big thought, you just step outside. But it’s a regular-sized closet. I’m looking forward to the upgrades.”
KHS President and CEO Alisa Gray said the organization’s growth has made expansion a necessity. “Our programs have grown. The need has grown, and we are running out of space,” she said.
Gray emphasized that the new facility will benefit not just the animals but also the broader community. “We are asking the community to be ‘ALL IN’ with us to create and build a new animal-and-community campus for the city, for the state, for the animals, for our staff, and for pet owners,” she said. “It’s very hard to be a pet owner right now if you have an emergency or no access to care. We want to help break down those barriers and create a bigger, better space.”
The new campus, planned for Orchard Avenue off Preston Highway in Louisville, will also support up to 13,000 spay and neuter surgeries annually.
“From animal standards, we’re going to be at the top,” Gray said. “That’s what these animals deserve — and so does our staff. They give it their all every day. When they finally walk into the new facility, there will be tears — tears of happiness and joy.”
Zartman shared that she’s most excited about the simple things. “I’m looking forward to getting out of storage closet B and maybe having a little more space — but a window would be nice,” she said, smiling.
Groundbreaking is expected in the coming weeks. Every KHS staff member and board member has already pledged or donated to the campaign — with contributions ranging from $1 to $100,000 — proving the team truly is “ALL IN.”
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